Gift cards are proving to be a game-changer for retailers, offering a dual advantage of attracting new customers and driving incremental spend. Brands participating in multistore gift card schemes or offering their own gift cards are reaping the rewards, particularly from younger demographics like Millennials, who are embracing gift cards for their convenience and flexibility.
The latest research from the Gift Card & Voucher Association (GCVA) and Global Data highlights how gift cards are effective tool for channeling consumer behaviour by not only introducing new shoppers to brands but also encouraging them to 'upgarde' their purchase beyond the card's value.
Posted: 4 December 2024
Dulux announced their Colour of the Year as True Joy - and it's easy to see why! We all want happier, uplifting home interiors for 2025 and the colour yellow gives us a boost of positive inspiration ahead of the new year.
Amthal Karim, Head of Design at Furniture And Choice comments: "Dulux True Joy is an energetic shade of yellow with warm, golden undertones. The timeless charm of the colour of the year comes from its balance of dusky versus bright. True Joy is more vibrant than a mustard tone and has more depth and warmth than shades of lemon or canary yellow.
Posted: 18 November 2024
Christmas spending is set to hit £88.29bn this year as consumers boost spending on festive celebrations after years of Christmas cutbacks.
VoucherCodes.co.uk's Shopping for Christmas Report 2024 forecasts a 4 percent boost in sales this festive season, with consumers spending on gifts, food and drink, and holiday travel.
Whilst this rise comes partly from inflation, it's also driven by a 1.4 percent rise in sales volume year-on-year, as consumers have more money in their pockets to buy more items.
Whereas other European nations will see a decline in spend YoY, the UK is the only nation out of seven analysed to see a healthy boost in festive sales.
Posted: 11 November 2024
Entries for the Farm Shop & Deli Product Awards 2025 are now open, celebrating the finest products in the sector.
Returning for its fourth year, the Farm Shop & Deli Product Awards, in association with The Grocer, aims to highlight and celebrate the finest products within the specialist food and drink sector.
These awards are judged by an expert panel consisting of leading farm shop and deli retailers, prominent wholesaler buyers, and industry professionals.
A successful product is more than just first impressions. This is why the awards' panel of judges will review all aspects of each product, including the full value chain and branding, ensuring that products are not only appealing, but are also well-positioned for success in the independent sector.
Posted: 7 November 2024
Smart Toys and Games has unveiled that SmartGames has added more award wins to its ever-growing collection, having been recognised in both the Right Start Awards and the Imagination Gaming Awards.
Now in its seventh year, the Right Start Awards aim to recognise the toys that offer true value for money.
All of the award-winning toys, books and nursery items have been road-tested by parents and children at home and carefully selected as winners based on if they are long-lasting, durable, appealing and help save the planet - Smart Toys and Games are thrilled both Smart Dog and 5 Little Birds have been recognised.
Posted: 21 October 2024